Porsche Macan

Porsche Macan

Described by many owners as a true driver’s car, this medium-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV) from the prestige German brand is a true sporting SUV with great handling and a premium badge. Unlike some mainstream vehicles of this type, the Macan drives like a sports car.

There’s a revised model rolling out soon and electrification is just around the corner in keeping with modern automotive trends. For now, potential buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere should review the MHH International pages for our current stock.

The Exterior

In keeping with Porsche’s design ethos which echoes the legendary 911, the current model Macan features a LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle. The brake lights with their four-point design are another clue to the car’s identity. LED technology is incorporated as standard into the main headlights, with the Porsche ‘Dynamic Light System Plus’ an option that can be used to control light distribution adaptively.

With five doors and five seats the shape of this smaller sibling of the similar Cayenne has not changed much from the original but at the front, a revised design over the previous version makes this great SUV appear wider. The slightly flared wheel arches accommodate alloy wheel sizes from 18” or 21”, depending upon model: There’s a choice of Macan, Macan S and the flagship Macan GTS with features and power varying accordingly.

The Interior

On the inside the quality is as premium as would be expected from this brand. Soft touch furnishings, with Alcantara trim, and a wide variety of options on new cars, make this interior a special place to be. No skimping on materials here. The figure hugging seats are very supportive as befits a performance car. A height and reach adjustable steering wheel and eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat are standard so getting comfortable is easy. Seats with even more adjustment (14 or 18-way) are an option.

The dashboard, with its cascading central console of switchgear and fully-loaded connectivity, features a 10.9” crisp and sharp colour touchscreen which can show everything from audio and trip information to a navigation map. It sits alongside other clear instrumentation. An array of safety features like the ‘Traffic Jam Assist’ are available, some of which enable semi-autonomous driving and ensure advanced levels of safety. Helpfully, front and rear parking sensors are standard on all models and cameras are optional and may be fitted to used models; check the detailed specification on our pages.

Despite the compact dimensions, there’s plenty of room for four inside the Porsche Macan or, with an extra squeeze, five. Plenty of inside storage is available and the rear seats split and fold. This makes the 500 litre boot (trunk) versatile, especially as the load lip is level with the boot floor, making packing easy.

Driving The Porsche Macan

Driving is the essence of a Porsche and it is no different with this SUV, despite it being versatile enough for small family activity. In fact, the Macan's USP is the way it drives. The steering is sharp and direct, while the suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps on all road surfaces with virtually no body lean in corners. The standard version delivers plenty of power while the flagship GTS will keep pace with some supercars. Air suspension isn't standard on all models, but if fitted makes the ride even better.

The grip and handling is second to none enabling the driver to confidently take full advantage of the benefits of the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management system, an adaptive set-up that allows the driver to vary the suspension's stiffness. The base (perhaps not an appropriate word in this case) model comes with a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine delivering 265bhp. 'S' variants get a 2.9 litre V6 with 380bhp, while 'GTS' cars have the same V6, but upped to a mighty 440bhp, the latter getting air-suspension as standard.

Although the Macan is clearly not an off-road specialist, press the off-road button and head into rougher terrain with confidence. It adjusts the traction control settings and seven-speed automatic PDK gearbox for optimal off-road handling. On metalled roads the Macan is a relaxed cruiser thanks to the slick automatic gearbox with its well-judged, near-imperceptible changes. The brakes are superb and ensure brisk stopping when required.

Should You Buy One?

Almost certainly. If the larger Cayenne is just too big then the Macan fits the bill as one of the finest SUV’s money can buy and it was judged as being the most reliable SUV in 2021, routinely earning the full five stars from the Euro-NCAP safety tests. The Porsche Macan is a fast, fun to drive and very accomplished prestige choice. Get in touch for more details.